This weekend I found myself rushing to take a nap every time my one year old took a nap. We try to have him nap twice a day and I cannot tell you how excited I am to have that time to myself and also that I allow myself to have that time.
When I was very pregnant last year people would always tell me – sleep when the baby sleeps. I never could accomplish it. He either wouldn’t sleep when I put him in his crib or when he did sleep, not in my arms, I rushed around the house cleaning, doing dishes, paying bills, etc. It’s what the Mayo Clinic suggests not to do. On its website about new parents getting enough sleep (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20046556) what’s number one? Sleep when your baby sleeps. Chores can wait. For me the chores couldn’t wait. When you’re home with your baby or a working mom there’s only so much waiting that can happen.
But now that he’s older and can entertain himself (for at least a little while) I can get most of the chores done when he’s awake. So I finally take the advice that was given to me when I was still pregnant… just a year later… Sleep when the toddler sleeps.